EXTREMIST CABINET IN JAVA PUT OUT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 269, 14 November 1945, Page 5

EXTREMIST CABINET IN JAVA PUT OUT

RESULT OF A RE SHUFFLE

NEW PREMIER WANTS TO WORK WITH BRITISH Recd. 1 1.40 p.m. Batavia, Nov. 13. There has been a re-shuffle of the Indonesian Cabinet in Java, and as a result most of Dr. Soekarno’s Ministers in the self-styled Nationalist regime will lose their jobs. A new Premier has been appointed, and has expressed a wish to co-operate with the British, and hold free elections as early as possible. Dr. Soekarno retains the post of President, but without executive power, more on the lines of the old French system than on the lines of that in vogue in the United States. Meanwhile, the British forces continue tttcir steam-roller tactics in Sourabaya, overcoming isolated pockets of Indonesian resistance and gradually taking control of the whole of the city. Elsewhere in Java conditions arc reported to be quiet.

It is reliably reported that Japanese have been fighting with the Indonesians, and the bodies of Japanese dead have' been found side by side with those of armed Indonesian dead.

Armed Indonesians fleeing from Major-General Mar.sergh’s British and Indian troops are tak.ng to the hills as the sth. Indian Division closes in. The centre of Sourabaya is r row almost completely under Alhed control, says the “Daily Mail’s’’ correspondent. It is officially stated that British casualties in the three days’ lighting, have been “very light.” British and Indian forces on Sunday gained control of virtually all Sourabaya, reports the Dutch news agency. Extremists on Sunday night made two attacks against Allied forces in Sourabaya. Two hundred Indonesians were repulsed in the first Attack and artillery, mortar and machine-gun fire broke up the second attack, which was supported hy armoured vehicles.

Fighting occurred nn Sunday night in Port Batavia against Indonesians atempting to attack warehouses. British troops arrested 21 looters and raided a house, where they found a quantity of weapons and documents. Fighting also nroxe out at Tandjoenpriek when Indonesians attempted to attack warehouses.

Indonesians had committed atrocities against Allied troops and civilians who had fallen into their hands, said a senior officer of the 49th. Brigade, which was commanded by the late Brigadier Mallaby. The officer said the Indonesians had dismembered wounded Indian troops, burnt women and children and attacked hospitals clearly marked with the red cross. BODIES ROPED TOGETHER.

The Dutch news agency reports that the mutilated bodies of British and Indian troops, roped together have been found floating in a river. Mobs at Sourabaya had arrested Europeans at will and handed some over to extremists, who had killed them with spears and bayonets. Mr. Nopl Baker told the House of Commons that while no serious incidents had occurred elsewhere in Java, the situation in Sourabaya remained tense. Reinforcements had continue’ to arrive.

Asked whether Britain intended to consult the Allies, Mr. Noe] Baker said: “It seems to me that the most desirable thing is to secure agreement among those on the spot. We hope law and order will be restored with the least possible bloodshed.” He added that it had been hoped to arrange a meeting between Dr. Van. Mook and Dr. Soekarno on November 8. but before the meeting was held Soekarno found it necessary to go into the interior. However. Dr. Van Mook had agreed to meet Soekarno and it was hoped the meting would be held shortly.

A message from Bombay says that Mr. Jinnah has issued a statement demanding the immediate removal of Jrdian troops from Indonesia. Ho also urged Indonesians to meet in conference to negotiate a settlement, in which he promised the help of th*? Moslem League.